How "The Big Bang Theory" Became #1

It is hard to believe that it has been 6 years since The Big Bang Theory made it to the airwaves. Who knew a comedy about two geeky scientists living next door to a hot chick would be ratings gold? The Chuck Lorre creation is currently in its seventh season and is the number one rated comedy. The season premiere that aired in September nabbed 20.44 million viewers. So how did the show became such a hit? Here are a few reasons as to why:

Big Name Guest-Stars - When The Big Bang Theory premiered, the biggest names associated with the show were Johnny Galecki, who had starred on Roseanne for six seasons, and Kaley Cuoco, who appeared on the comedy 8 Simple Rules and was on the final season of Charmed. In order to attract viewers to the new comedy, some famous names popped up in season 1. Roseanne alumni Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalf appeared as Leslie Winkle and Mrs. Cooper, respectively. Gilbert would become a series regular in season 2 and appear through season 3. Season 2 welcomed The Good Wife's Christine Baraksnki as Leonard's mother. Other famous guest stars through the series' run include Bob Newhart, Sara Rue, Katee Sackhoff, George Takei, and Leonard Lemoy among others.

The Writer's Strike - The Big Bang Theory faced a big problem during its first season: The Writer's Strike. Television writers believed they were being underpaid for DVD residuals and walked out in 2007. The 100-day strike cost the industry an estimated $1.5 billion and resulted in many shows in their first season being cancelled. Remember Big Shots and The Bionic Woman? The Big Bang Theory aired 8 episodes prior to the strike. The hiatus gave the writers a chance to develop their characters more and the remaining 9 episodes of the season featured a funnier Penny and gave Sheldon and Leonard their own identities.  Though the show ranked 68 overall, CBS liked the changes made after the strike and renewed the show for a second season. Season 2 saw a 2 million increase in viewers.

Comic Con - In order to increase their target audience, The Big Bang Theory cast and writers have been attending Comic Con since 2008. The convention started in the 70's and focused mainly on comic books. Over the years, the convention has included other elements related to the genre like video games, movies, and TV shows.  The Big Bang Theory cast will host a panel discussion and answer questions from the audience. They will also reveal spoilers to upcoming seasons to increase interest in the show. The concept has proven beneficial. The show has seen an uptick of roughly 3 million viewers each season since heading to the convention.

Syndication and DVD release - In 2011, The Big Bang Theory began airing in syndication on both TBS and FOX. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays viewers can catch at least six episodes of their favorite comedy. This does not include the new episode that airs Thursday nights. Syndication gives a show a chance for new viewers to watch it from the very beginning, As a result, these new viewers will also start watching the new episodes. Since the show has been in syndication, ratings have increased by 5 million viewers. DVD releases are another facet new viewers can turn to to become a fan. I started watching The Big Bang Theory in 2010 after a friend purchased the first season on DVD as a gift. I have been hooked ever since.

Chuck Lorre - If Chuck Lorre's name is on something, it will most likely be a ratings success. Lorre is the man behind other hits Two and a Half Men, Mike & Molly, and the new comedy Mom. The huge success of Two and a Half Men helped bring viewers to The Big Bang Theory who hoped they would be laughing as hard as they did from watching Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer. 

There are countless reasons that can contribute to why The Big Bang Theory is the hottest show currently on TV. One could even say it is just because it is so funny. Whatever the reason, the show is being watched by more people than ever and does not show any signs of letting up. Contracts for the actor's do expire at the end of season 7, but it would be insane if CBS didn't renew the #1 comedy for another season, or two, or three.